RR Donnelley closes two plants, lays off close to 500

RR Donnelley & Sons is shutting down two printing plants and laying off the employees who work there, according to recent reports in the Chicago Tribune and the Associated Press.

Attempts to contact RR Donnelley via e-mail and telephone were unsuccessful.

In light of the current economic conditions and the toll they are taking on the company's financial results, RR Donnelley is permanently shutting down its printing facility in Hillside, IL, according to the Chicago Tribune. All 118 people employed there are being let go.

The commercial printer also is closing its catalog and direct marketing printing plant in Wells, ME, by mid-June, according to the Associated Press. The 370 people employed there are being laid off in waves.

That plant was formerly known as Spencer Press, which RR Donnelley acquired in November 2005.

RR Donnelley recently reported net sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 totaled $2.8 billion, down 9.5% from the previous year. The company also reported a fourth-quarter net loss from continuing operations of $686.9 million, or $3.35 per diluted share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $292.9 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007.